Skip to main content

Matthew G. Borgula

White collar crime Attorney at Grand Rapids, MI

4.9   27 reviews
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
Free consultation Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State MI
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Matthew

Learn Matthew’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. White collar crime
    30%
    Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Health Care Fraud, Bankruptcy Fraud.

    26 years, 100 cases

  2. Tax fraud and tax evasion
    25%
    Criminal Tax Charges.

    26 years, 100 cases

  3. Criminal defense
    20%
    Fraud and white collar crime, drugs and violence crime, tax crimes, computer crimes.

    26 years, 100 cases

  4. Federal crime
    20%
    Federal Narcotics, Healthcare Fraud, Tax cases, bank fraud, white collar crime, child pornography charges

    26 years, 100 cases

  5. Securities and investment fraud
    5%
    Civil charges brought by the SEC, Criminal Charges brought by the Department of Justice or Michigan Attorney General's office.

    26 years, 50 cases

FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR NOW CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY.

Matt Borgula is a seasoned trial attorney who has defended and prosecuted hundreds of criminal and civil cases. Prior to forming Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch Law, he was one of the lead federal prosecutors for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. As the Deputy Criminal Chief and head of the financial crimes unit, Mr. Borgula handled every type of federal charge from investigation, to Grand Jury indictment through trial. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he worked in Chicago for the law firm of Jenner & Block, where he represented clients in matters relating to securities fraud, commercial disputes, class actions and consumer protection act claims.

Mr. Borgula represents individuals and businesses in criminal prosecutions, grand jury investigations, and civil enforcement actions brought by state and federal agencies, including the Internal Revenue Service, Department of Health and Human Services, the DEA, FBI and the SEC. Mr. Borgula’s goal in defending his clients is to minimize the damage and disruption caused by these proceedings, often before charges are brought. If an indictment or charge cannot be avoided, Mr. Borgula advises clients on the risks and benefits of going to trial versus accepting a plea, and is an experienced and successful trial attorney an acceptable resolution is not reached.

Mr. Borgula is nationally recognized as an expert in criminal violations of federal fraud, money laundering and the bank secrecy act and has been a frequent lecturer at the Department of Justice’s National Advocacy Center in Columbia, South Carolina. He has also provided training to criminal defense attorneys and State and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies on issues related to search and seizure of assets and evidence, suspicious activity reports and other banking regulations, and white collar crime.  In 2019, Mr. Borgula was inducted into the American College of Trial Attorneys.

Contact Matthew

SBBL Law, PLLC
60 Monroe Center #500
Grand Rapids, MI, 49503

Reviews

4.9 / 5.0
  27 customer reviews
5 Star
 
96%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
4%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Representation
Matthew is a excellent attorney always friendly and very honest and upfront wit us from day one. My wife was facing some very difficult charges and Matt and his team when straight to work, was able to resolve my wife case and was able to get her sentenced significantly lower than the guidelines, we are very thankful for the aggressive representation you and your firm provide us with. We are thankful Matt
Read less
Posted by anonymous | October 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire him!
Matt and his team handled my case with professionalism and a fantastic bed side manner. I was extremely nervous when I first contacted Matt. He explained everything to me in simple terms that went a long way in calming my nerves. On our first court date Matt had basically handled my case and got it reduced to a ticket. I could not ask for better then that but on the second court date he even got the ticket reduced from a three points to two. If I ever get in a legal snag again Matt will be the first person I call. Thanks Matt and Chasity! Great job!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 22, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible wisdom and extremely professional
Mr. Borgula helped me through an incredibly tough defamation case with an irrational opponent. His calm steady methodical approach to this hellacious situation brought a positive outcome to my lawsuit. Matt’s reputation and presence was key to settling the case.
Posted by Kojo | March 11, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Exceptional Work.
Our family worked with Matt Borgula at Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch. He came highly recommended as the best, he delivered. He and his team were highly professional and did exceptional work. Their attention to detail, level of diligence, and excellence were impeccable. Our family has been blessed through Matt and his team and will recommend him to anyone.
Read less
Posted by Keith | December 21, 2021
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
When I gave up ! Mr Mathew didn’t
Let me start off saying this ! Mr Borgula wasn’t RETAINED, Mr borgula was appointed to me by the United States of America as my “Federal Public Pretender” Defender” excuse me. “Let’s not Forget “ In the middle of Me pleading guilty with Another lawyer I previously Retained and said I had NO CHANCE of WINNING. MR Mathew Borgula Had other Plans ! Thank you so much , from the bottom of my Heart.
Read less
Posted by Arash | October 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Everyone needs a "Matt" in their defense team !
Words cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to Matt and his professional team. My wife contacted them first and within the first couple of days, we were certain Matt and his team were the right attorneys for me. As a former federal prosecutor, he was aware of all the ins and outs of cases like mine (white-collar) and he provided just the right advice to me, which thankfully led to my early release. I was looking at a lengthy prison time (5 years), however Matt and his team were on top of their game and after a couple of months being incarcerated, I got time served. Matt literally enchanted the entire court by the way he was arguing for my immediate release during sentencing, to the point that the judge literally didn't have any reason to give me another day in prison ! Matt consulted with me every step of the way to make sure I was comfortable with every motion that was to be filed with the court, something that typical lawyers barely care to do. He genuinely listened to me when we talked about the facts of my case and we had such a great time preparing for each and every of my hearings. Bottom line, everyone needs a “Matt” in their team and I thank God day and night for having him by my side during our ordeal.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | September 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hiring Matt was the best choice!
When the federal investigators knocked on the door, life got serious. I chose Matt because I felt his experience as a federal prosecutor would benefit our case. From the first meeting until the last phone call informing us we wouldn't be charged Matt was professional and at all times we felt confident we'd get the best outcome Thanks Matt Borgula!!
Read less
Posted by Bruce | February 15, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Life saver
Mr Borgula save me for something i did not do but i got accused of, I would have got me 20 years for something i did not do when i met with Mr,Borgula I knew from him listing to me and started to get on my case as i am sitting with him. I would not hier a different lawyer, Or call another Law firm his other Colleagues Thanks you MR.Borgula for my life back
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Brilliant, Strategic attorney
Matt is very easy to talk with and can grasp difficult situations analyze them, and put forward an executable plan to address each unique situation. If needed, we would hire Matt and his firm again, no question!
Posted by Andrew | February 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Decision I've ever made.
Wow, where to begin. Matt is an amazing attorney. On the surface he ofcourse has a great professional office and legal team who make you feel comfortable and valued with the entire process. With Matt however there is something deeper, he has that legal intuition that I believe in. Personally with me there was more fear than I can say in words, but Matt was my anchor in the storm. His professional experience and resume is not only impressive, it helps him be a better advocate for his clients. The truth and reality hurt at times, but at the very least Matt will tell you in a way that ends up being a burden lifted. I have many regrets on the reasoning I needed Matt, the only one I do not have is hiring him.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Job
Matt did an excellent job representing me. The judge in my case had a policy of giving out probation. This was a strong policy for which he was not known to deviate. Matt was able to construct an ingenious argument and convince the judge that my case merited deviation. This saved me a considerable amount of time, money and embarrassment. I would recommend Matt to anyone who is facing criminal charges!
Read less
Posted by Keith | March 11, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Hire him !!
Mr borgula recently represented me on a federal case. Before mr borgula became my lawyer I had a paid attorney who was telling me to just plea and get outta there way! do to financial problems I couldn’t pay him so he filed to get off my case. That’s when the court appointment me mr borgula, When I first seen mr borgula my head was all messed up I was down and out with no hope! but mr borgula knew that something wasn’t right with my case, and insisted we file a motion to suppress the evidence.during our 3hour motion to suppress mr borgula was a beast in that court room! Which eventually lead up to my case getting dismissed. I can’t thank him enough we need more people like this in this world. If you hire him you will not be displeased his whole personality and the way he talks to you just makes you feel like everything will be ok . He was my appointed lawyer and gave his all so just imagine how hard he will fight if u hire him!!! .. he is truly and angel from god!!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The best lawyer you could have on any case
Mr borgula represented me on a federal case I was caught with a gun in my pocket! my first lawyer was telling me to take a plea 0-10 years my guidelines was 57-71 months but because of financial problems I couldn’t pay him so the government appointed me me borgula. I told mr borgula that I was ready to plea but he insisted on filing a motion to suppress the evidence I said to him why would we do that the gun was in my pocket, but he wouldn’t let me give up he insisted on filing this motion. During the suppression motion hearing mr borgula was like Floyd mayweather countering with blows for the whole 3 hours which resulted with us winning the motion. When I got the news I couldn’t believe we won he did such a great job I would recommend this guy on any charge! My family was sad we gave up because we knew how vicious the feds could be until me borgula saved the day now I’m back with my kids! Case dismissed thank you so much we need more people in this world like you . (Truly an angle from god)I will never in my life forget you ! Thank you
Read less
Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
Mr. Borgula represented me during an investigation for crimes which could have put me in prison for the rest of my life. I couldn’t have asked for better counsel, communication or results. If you are in need of an attorney I don’t believe a better one exists. Thank you for your hard work, your compassion and for getting the best result possible. No charges filed!
Read less
Posted by Bryan | November 11, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
ASSAULT W/ INTENT TO DO GREAT BODILY HARM
I was facing very serious charges, and more than likely quite a bit of time incarcerated. I started with a lawyer that was doing pretty much nothing for my case . I found Matt, spoke with him, and immediately switched my counsel to Matt, as he made me feel very comfortable, and quite relieved!! He got a couple of my charges dismissed first! With his knowledge, professionalism, and actual care he took with my case was absolutely outstanding. I never had a problem contacting him. The ending result of no jail time!!! Matt really saved my life!! I couldn't have had a better lawyer. He did more than what I ever expected and very easy guy to talk to, and nonjudgemental. Thank you again Matt!!!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | July 26, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Pure Class....
Mr. Borgula is Everything that all of the other 5 star ratings say about him! He is a Real individual. Compassionate, attentive, generous, down-to-earth, intelligent, realistic, honest..... Pure Class!! Have never had such a wonderful experience with a lawyer. If all were like him - the world would be a better place :)
Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Awesome!!!!!
Matthew Borgula has been a blessing to me and my family! He's awesome! Matt's honest, trustworthy, and compassionate. Over time he had the opportunity to know me and my family and dear to our hearts. Matt's genuine. ...I appreciate him because I felt safe. He took his time listening to me (never hurried), explained processes, promptly returned my phone calls and emails. Matt has a vast amount of experience! He's a very professional and competent attorney. He was punctually prepared for every court hearing. I'd also like to add his disposition in court to be unyielding. Matt worked diligently on my case. I was facing several years and my sentence was significantly reduced. I had a positive experience with Matthew Borgula!
Read less
Posted by Jennifer | April 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Grateful for this exceptional attorney!
I consulted Matt Borgula for advice pertaining to my brother-in-law’s case. I did not have much information at first, but Mr. Borgula was able to guide my family and me through the first steps of having someone in the criminal system. Even before having an official agreement between us, he was very attentive and available for the questions we had. This was very important because no one in my family had very much experience with the legal system. My brother-in-law was facing multiple felonies and most likely years in prison. Mr. Borgula took our case with the little amount of information we had and agreed to do what he could for my brother-in-law. Without even having met us, and only a week notice, Mr. Borgula was present at his probable cause hearing. To us it felt like he had been our lawyer forever. He kept us informed, was honest about my brother’s case, and was professional. One thing I really appreciated about Mr. Borgula’s demeanor was how he spoke to my family and me, not at us or over our heads. He took the time to pull us aside and answer any questions we had. He made sure we were all as comfortable as we could be with the situation. He never seemed rushed, and made us feel important. He was very personal and empathetic to what was happening to our family. My brother-in-law was arrested in May and did not end up having his official court date until November. My brother-in-law had two options: to go to trial and risk the outcome, which meant seven years in prison if he lost, or taking a plea deal. Mr. Borgula was prepared and willing to go to trial if that is what he wanted. He supported either decision and did not push my brother-in-law one way or the other. My brother-in-law decided to take the plea deal and was sentenced to 1 year in jail, including time served. Mr. Borgula continued to stay in contact with my brother-in-law and my family right up until his release date. I would recommend Mr. Borgula to anyone, and I would hire him again if necessary. He was the sound mind my family and I needed to get through our difficult time. He was professional and an outstanding person. I am so appreciative for everything he did not only for my brother-in-law, but for my entire family and me as well. Without his service, my brother-in-law faced a minimum of two years in prison for his plea deal. Mr. Borgula kept him out of prison, and got us the best outcome we could have hoped for in this situation.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 21, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney
I hired Mr. Borgula based on his impressive resume and client reviews, and I am very glad I did. His knowledge of the system is outstanding. He was able to negotiate a deal for me and saved me from a felony charge that would have ruined my life. Mr. Borgula is straight forward, he is honest and he will not advise you to go in court if he believes you will not win. He answered to my calls and emails within minutes, and worked my deal within a week. I hope I will never need an attorney again, however if I do Mr. Borgula will be my attorney of choice.
Read less
Posted by Marty | November 21, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
" A true professional "
I consulted with Matt on my sons case when he was arrested in Chicago. Matt went above and beyond what an attorney would do on a consultation. He not only gave outstanding legal advice, he contacted the authorities on my sons behalf, and followed up for two days afterward. I cannot express my gratitude enough to Matt. My son and myself will never forget Matt. He is a " True Professional "
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Assistant U.S. Attorney
  • Department of Justice
  • 2003 - Present
  • Associate
  • Jenner & Block
  • 1999 - 2003
  • Associate
  • Dykema Gossett
  • 1997 - 1999

Education

  • University of Michigan Law School
  • JD
  • 1997
  • Northwestern University
  • BA
  • 1993

Legal Cases

  • United States v. Cortney Spencer
  • Not Guilty
  • United States v. Renee Pardon
  • Not Guilty
  • United States v. Huston
  • Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Historical Society for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan
  • President
  • 2023 - Present
  • American College of Trial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • 2019 - Present
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • 2015 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • 2015 - Present
  • Federal Bar Association (Western District of Michigan chapter)
  • President
  • 2015 - 2020
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Criminal Defense
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2023
  • Best Lawyers - White Collar Crime
  • Grand Rapids Magazine
  • 2023
  • Best Lawyers - Non White Collar Crime
  • Grand Rapids Magazine
  • 2020
  • Exceptional Service Award
  • The National Association of Former United States Attorneys
  • 2015
  • Outstanding Service Award
  • Department of Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
  • 2014
  • Commendation for Outstanding Case Work
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • 2014
  • Asset Forfeiture Money Laundering Section - Case of the Year
  • United States Department of Justice
  • 2009
  • Outstanding Service Award
  • Department of Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
  • 2008
  • Oustanding Prosecution Award
  • Department of Homeland Security Investigations
  • 2007
  • Commendation for Outstanding Casework
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • 2006
  • Outstanding Service Award
  • Department of Treasury - Internal Revenue Service
  • 2005
  • Commendation for Outstanding Case Work
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • 2004
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • Hillman Advocacy Program
  • Trial Skills Instructor
  • 2020
  • State Bar of Michigan Annual conference
  • Defense and prosecution of federal criminal charges
  • 2018
  • West Michigan Chief Legal Officers Organization
  • Internal Investigations
  • 2015
  • Basic Trial Advocacy
  • Trial Skills
  • 2014
  • Advanced SAR review team seminar
  • Legal Update - Suspicious Activity Reports and the Bank Secrecy Act
  • 2011
  • IRS SAR/Financial Crime Seminar
  • Structuring and Bank Secrecy Act Crimes
  • 2011
  • SAR Review Seminar
  • Case Study - Suspicious Activity Reports
  • 2010
  • Forfeiture Seminar
  • Asset Forfeiture for Law Enforcement Officers
  • 2010
  • Banking Crimes Seminar
  • Suspicious Activity Reports
  • 2010
  • West Michigan Law Enforcement Training
  • Search and Seizure/Interdiction
  • 2010
  • Asset Forfeiture Chiefs and Experts Seminar
  • Case Study - Asset Forfeiture
  • 2009
  • SAR Review Teams Training
  • Case Study - Bank Secrecy Act
  • 2008
  • Financial Crimes Seminar
  • White Collar Crime
  • 2008
  • Health Care Fraud Quarterly Meeting
  • Health Care Fraud Forfeitures
  • 2007
  • White Collar Crime Seminar
  • Federal Financial Crimes
  • 2007
  • Advanced Money Laundering Seminar
  • Advanced Money Laundering
  • 2006
  • White Collar Crime Seminar
  • Forfeiture in Financial Crimes Cases
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (8)
Given (10)
Endorse Matthew
White collar crime Attorney | Jan 28
Relationship: Co-worker
"Matt is an exceptional trial lawyer. He’s thorough, personable, and extremely well-respected in the state and federal court system."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Matt on many matters while we both served as Assistant U.S. Attorneys, then against him after he started working as a criminal defense attorney. Matt is extremely knowledgable about Federal and state criminal matters, is an outstanding trial attorney, and is a diligent and responsive advocate for his client. I am honored to have joined his firm and look forward to practicing with him on our clients' behalf."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Federal crime Attorney | Dec 09
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"As United States Attorney I supervised many lawyers; Matt was among the best. His judgement and legal skills are outstanding. His experience in Federal Criminal Law including white collar crime and tax evasion is extensive. I am proud to now call him my colleague."
White collar crime Attorney | Aug 03
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a universally respected and extremely talented federal prosecutor."
White collar crime Attorney | Jul 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. As an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Matt has obtained a reputation as a tenacious yet fair and ethical federal prosecutor. Having handled a number of criminal matters where Matt was the opposing counsel, I can attest that this reputation is well earned. Judges, federal prosecutors, and criminal defense attorneys all hold Matt in very high esteem and regard him as one of the finest attorneys in Michigan."
White collar crime Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Despite being opposing counsel, Matt has always been really fair and a pleasure to deal with. I know he is respected by the defense bar and judges alike, especially when it comes to white collar crime. Therefore, I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
Litigation
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Federal crime
Federal crime
Criminal defense
Criminal defense